FAQ

Carpet

Before Installation

**Q: How should I prepare my home for carpet installation?**

**A:** We recommend removing all furniture, decorations, and fragile items from the rooms where carpet is being installed. Please also remove any items from closets. Our team will move large furniture as part of the service, but it's helpful to clear smaller items. Ensure a clear path to the room for our installers.

**Q: How long will the installation take?**

**A:** Most standard residential rooms can be completed in a single day. The timeframe depends on the size of the area, the amount of furniture to be moved, the complexity of the job (e.g., stairs, multiple rooms), and the necessary subfloor preparation. We will provide you with a clear timeline during your quote.

**Q: What is the purpose of the underlay (padding), and do I need a specific type?**

**A:** Underlay is crucial. It provides cushioning for comfort, acts as a thermal and acoustic insulator, and extends the life of your carpet by absorbing impact and reducing wear on the carpet backing. We will recommend the best type (e.g., rubber, foam, felt) and density based on your carpet type and the room's traffic levels.

**Q: Why do you use a power stretcher instead of just a knee-kicker?**

**A:** This is a critical difference between a professional and an amateur job. A knee-kicker only stretches the carpet a few inches from the wall. A **power stretcher** applies immense, even tension across the entire room. This is **non-negotiable** to prevent ripples and wrinkles from forming later, to ensure even wear, and to keep your carpet's warranty valid.

**After Installation**

**Q: I notice a slight smell after installation. Is this normal?**

**A:** Yes, a slight "new carpet" smell is normal and should dissipate within 48-72 hours. This is often from the backing and the new underlay. To help ventilate, open windows and run fans to circulate fresh air.

**Q: Why is my carpet shedding?**

**A:** Shedding is perfectly normal for new carpets, especially those made of synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester. These fibres are spun and cut during manufacturing, and loose fibres will work their way to the surface and be vacuumed up. This is not a defect; it usually stops after a few months of regular vacuuming.

**Q: How soon can I walk on my new carpet and put furniture back?**

**A:** You can walk on it immediately. However, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours before moving heavy furniture back into place. This allows the carpet backing and adhesives in the seams to fully settle. When moving furniture, use caution and avoid dragging it. We recommend placing protective pads under furniture legs.

**Q: How do I clean and maintain my new carpet?**

**A:**

*   **Vacuum regularly** (1-2 times a week for most homes, more in high-traffic areas).

*   **Blot spills immediately** with a clean, white cloth. Never rub, as this can spread the stain.

*   Use cleaning products recommended by your carpet manufacturer.

*   We recommend a **professional deep clean every 12-18 months** to remove deep-down grit and allergens and to keep your warranty valid.

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Vinyl Flooring FAQ

Before Installation

**Q: Can you install vinyl flooring over my existing floor?**

**A:** In many cases, yes! We can install over many existing, hard-surface floors like ceramic tile, sheet vinyl, or laminate, provided the existing floor is **securely attached, perfectly level, and clean**. We will never install over carpet, cushion-backed vinyl, or any floor that is loose, uneven, or damaged. This will be assessed during our in-home consultation.

**Q: Why do the planks/tiles need to sit in my house before installation?**

**A:** This process is called **acclimatisation**. Vinyl is a material that can expand and contract slightly with changes in temperature and humidity. Letting it sit in the room for **at least 48 hours** allows it to adjust to your home's normal conditions. This prevents issues like buckling or gaps after installation.

**Q: How important is subfloor preparation?**

**A:** It is the single most important step. For a flawless vinyl floor, the subfloor must be **clean, dry, and perfectly level**. Any bumps, dips, or debris will telegraph through the vinyl, creating visible imperfections and potentially causing damage over time. We meticulously prepare the subfloor by cleaning, levelling, and moisture testing.

**After Installation**

**Q: How long before I can walk on my new vinyl floor and put furniture back?**

**A:**

*   **Click/LVP (Floating Floors):** You can walk on it immediately. You can move furniture back after 24 hours.

*   **Glue-Down Vinyl:** You must wait the full time recommended by the adhesive manufacturer before walking on it (typically 24-48 hours) and even longer before moving heavy furniture back (typically 48-72 hours). We will give you specific instructions based on the products we use.

**Q: How do I clean my new vinyl floor?**

**A:**

*   **Sweep or dry mop** regularly to remove grit and dirt that can scratch the surface.

*   For damp mopping, use a **pH-neutral cleaner** specifically designed for vinyl floors. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and "mop and shine" products, as they can damage the wear layer and leave a dulling film.

*   **Wipe up spills promptly** to prevent staining.

*   Avoid using beater bars on your vacuum cleaner, as they can cause micro-scratches.

**Q: How can I protect my vinyl floor from damage?**

**A:**

*   Use **felt pads** on the feet of all furniture.

*   Place **non-rubber-backed** mats at all entrances to trap dirt and moisture.

*   Avoid walking on the floor with stiletto heels or cleats.

*   For rolling office chairs, use a **protective mat** to prevent indentations and wear.

**Q: What should I do if I get a scratch or dent in my vinyl floor?**

**A:** For minor scratches, many manufacturers offer touch-up kits that can help mask the damage. For more significant damage, individual planks or tiles in a click system can often be replaced without redoing the entire floor. For glue-down products, repair is more complex. Contact us for advice on any repairs.

**Q: Does my new floor come with a warranty?**

**A:** Yes. Your new vinyl flooring will have a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in the product. Importantly, your installation by Scott Flooring is also guaranteed. Please keep your paperwork, and follow the care and maintenance guidelines to keep your warranty valid.

***Disclaimer:*** *This information is a general guide. Always follow the specific care and maintenance instructions provided by your flooring manufacturer and your Scott Flooring installation team.*